Exchange in Australia: how to work legally?
With stunning landscapes, renowned educational institutions, and excellent quality of life, Australia also offers unique opportunities for those who wish to work while studying, ensuring a complete and financially viable experience.
Work regulations for international students
One of the greatest advantages of doing an exchange in Australia is the possibility of working legally during the study period. In 2025, international students with a student visa (subclass 500) can work up to 48 biweekly hours during the academic period, provided they are enrolled in courses with a minimum duration of 16 weeks. This flexibility makes it possible to reconcile studies with a source of supplementary income, making the Australian experience more financially accessible.
During school vacation periods, the situation is even more favorable: students can work full time, with no limit on weekly hours. This benefit is especially advantageous for those planning to remain in Australia during breaks between semesters or longer vacation periods. To guarantee your right to work, it is essential obtain an Australian student visa correctly, complying with all requirements required by the Immigration Department.
Minimum wage and financial benefits
Australia has one of the highest minimum salaries in the world, making exchange work an excellent opportunity to cover part of the cost of living in the country. In 2025, the Australian minimum wage was approximately AUD 24.10 per hour (about R$ 88 at the current rate), offering a compensation significantly higher than that practiced in Brazil.
Financial benefits for students working in Australia include:
- Potential monthly income: Working 20 hours a week, you can earn up to AUD 1,928 per month (approximately R$ 7,084)
- Remuneration during holidays: With the possibility of full-time work, income can double during school vacation periods
- Favorable tax system: International students are exempt from income tax for annual earnings up to AUD 18,200
- Superannuation: Right to the Australian retirement fund (9.5% of salary), which can be redeemed when leaving the country
- Overtime pay: Additional 25% to 100% for working night hours, weekends, and holidays
How to find a job in Australia
Searching for employment in Australia may seem challenging at first, but there are several tools and strategies that facilitate this process for international students. The official Australian government app, Workforce Australia, has become an essential resource for those who want to find job opportunities compatible with their qualifications and time availability while studying.
This free app offers features such as personalized search by location and sector, recommendations based on your professional profile, and favorites system to save interesting vacancies. To use it efficiently, it is recommended to create a complete profile, define specific search criteria and keep your resume updated in the Australian format (without photos and personal information such as marital status). Learn more about how use the Workforce Australia App to find a job and maximize your chances in the local labor market.
Cost of living in major Australian cities
Understanding the cost of living in different Australian cities is essential to properly plan your exchange and define work strategies. The amount needed for a comfortable life varies significantly depending on the location chosen, with large metropolises presenting higher costs compared to medium-sized cities.
In 2025, the average monthly cost for international students in major Australian cities is distributed as follows:
- Sydney: The most expensive city in the country, requiring between AUD 2,500-3,000 monthly to cover basic expenses. Rent represents the largest expense, ranging from AUD 1,500 to 2,800 for downtown apartments.
- Melbourne: Second most expensive city, with a monthly cost of between AUD 2,200-2,800. Despite the high prices, it offers excellent public transport infrastructure with monthly passes for AUD 140-160.
- Brisbane: Cheaper alternative among large cities, with a 20-30% lower cost of living than Sydney. Rents range between AUD 1,200-2,200, allowing for significant savings.
- Adelaide: The most affordable option among the capitals, with a monthly cost of between AUD 1,800-2,300. Ideal for students on a budget seeking a good quality of life.
- Perth: An interesting combination of high salaries and moderate cost, with monthly expenses of between AUD 2,000-2,500, offset by opportunities in the mining and natural resources sector.
For detailed financial planning, see the complete guide on How much does it cost to live in Australia in 2025 and make a realistic estimate of your monthly budget.
Comparison with working in Brazil
When we compare the earning potential in Australia with the Brazilian minimum wage, the advantages of the exchange become even more evident. In 2025, the minimum wage in Brazil is approximately R$ 1,518 per month for a 220-hour working day, resulting in about R$ 7.30 per hour. In Australia, even working only 20 hours a week (the limit for students during the academic period), it is possible to obtain a monthly income of up to AUD 1,928 (R$ 7,084), an amount that exceeds the Brazilian full-time minimum wage.
The best Australian cities to work in
The choice of the city for your exchange directly impacts the job opportunities available. Each Australian region has unique characteristics in terms of the labor market, average salaries, and sectors with the highest demand. Sydney and Melbourne offer the highest number of vacancies in diverse sectors, but they are also more competitive and have a high cost of living. Brisbane stands out for its accelerated growth and infrastructure investments for the 2032 Olympic Games, creating excellent opportunities in civil construction and hospitality.
Adelaide is becoming increasingly attractive for its unbeatable cost-benefit ratio, combining low cost of living with competitive salaries, especially in the health and education sectors. Perth, for its part, offers salaries above the national average in sectors such as mining and natural resources, with lower competition for vacancies due to its isolated location. For detailed information about each city, see the guide on The 5 best cities to work in Australia in 2025.
Sectors with the highest demand
The Australian labor market offers particularly promising opportunities for international students in certain sectors. In 2025, the areas with the highest demand for professionals include hospitality (restaurants, cafes, hotels), retail, elderly care, information technology, and civil construction. Brazilian students have excelled especially in positions that value customer service and interpersonal skills.
The hospitality industry represents an excellent gateway for international students, offering flexible schedules and often requiring no previous experience. Roles such as waiter, barista, assistant cook, and hotel receptionist are often filled by exchange students. The retail and customer service sectors also present good opportunities, with large supermarket and store chains continuously recruiting employees for partial shifts compatible with study schedules.
Check if Is studying and working in Australia in 2025 worth it for your profile, considering your career objectives, previous experience, and area of interest before making your final decision.
Be Easy
A Be Easy transforms your dream of studying and working in Australia into reality, offering complete support from choosing the ideal course to guidance on the Australian labor market. Our program Study and Work in Australia provides a transformative experience, with personalized assistance at every stage of the process, ensuring that you make the most of this opportunity for personal and professional growth. Get in touch today and start planning your international future!
